Mayawati disbands Amar Singh-led UPDC

Lucknow, May 11 (UNI) In a major decision, Uttar Pradesh government today disbanded the high-profile UP Development Council (UPDC) set up by the previous Mulayam Singh Yadav government to promote investment in the state.

UPDC, which was set by the SP-ruled government in 2004, was disbanded in view of the various complaints that the council had taken decisions to benefit certain industrialists and their close ones, an official spokesman said here this evening.

The order to this effect was issued following the Chief Minister's announcement in this regard yesterday, he added.

The much-hyped UPDC was chaired by Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh with top industrialists including Anil Ambani, Adi Godrej, Kumarmanglam Birla and Subroto Roy being its members. Mega Star Amitabh Bachchan, a close friend of SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh, was appointed as its brand ambassador.

Meanwhile, the Mayawati government has decided to evolve a new transparent system to develop industrial infrastructure, promote investment and set up industries and their ancillaries as per the latest and fast-changing global economic trends. The purpose of this system would be to encourage entrepreneurship according to the needs of every district and division of the state.

UNI